Operating millage renewals and additions as well as bond requests all pass easily in voting Tuesday.

By Daily Telegram staff

Tecumseh District Library voters gave overwhelming support to both a millage renewal and a millage increase in Tuesday's election.

The 1.15-mill renewal was approved on a vote of 1,250-305, and the 0.2-mill increase was approved 1,069-479.

Anne Walker, who headed the TDL ballot question committee, said she was not surprised by the outcome.

"We are thrilled and tired, but it was what we expected," she said. "We didn't really have any negative reactions from people."

The renewal is estimated to raise about $627,990 in the first year of the levy. The additional millage is estimated to raise about $110,745 in the first year.

Library board members and the committee said the future of the library depended on passage of both measures. The approval allows the library to maintain its current programs and services with no interruption.

Gayle Hazelbaker, library director, said she had been hopeful of the support, but was still nervous awaiting the outcome. The millage provides about 80 percent of the library's revenue.

Madison OKs millagesMadison School District voters approved a four-year, 19-mill nonhomestead property tax by a vote of 113-31. The vote will allow the district to continue levying the maximum permitted 18 mills on nonhomestead property — primarily commercial and industrial property — for operating purposes and is expected to raise about about $1.93 million the first year it is levied.

The extra 1 mill will allow the district to continue levying 18 mills even if there are Headlee Amendment rollbacks.

Madison voters also voted 94-50 to approve a three-year, 0.2874-mill tax that restores the district's building fund to a full 1 mill and adds an extra 0.25 mill to help renovate a district-owned building, turning it into a year-round athletic training center. The millage is expected to raise about $51,000 the first year.

"Obviously we're very pleased that (the voters) continue to show their support for the school district," Madison schools superintendent Jim Hartley said.

He also was pleased that the voters appeared to understand the somewhat complicated millage proposals, Hartley said.

Morenci passes bond, millageIn Morenci, voters approved both a non-homestead millage renewal and a school bond proposal for upgrades to the campus and its buildings.

The nonhomestead millage was approved 249 "yes" to 61 "no." The measure will allow the district to get a full 18 mills for state aid.

Voters also easily passed a 1.63-mill levy in a 226-81 decision that will generate $2,960,000 over 19 years for upgrades to the campus, from technology and roofing,to heating, plumbing, parking lots and safety upgrades. The approval will not raise taxes from their current level.

Superintendent Mike Osborne said Tuesday he is grateful to the community for its ongoing support.

"The Morenci community has always been extremely supportive of the district over the years," Osborne said. "We are particularly grateful to the community for their support Tuesday, especially through these tough economic times."